HIMSS FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about HIMSS and Its Members

What is HIMSS?

HIMSS is a cause-based, not-for-profit organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare.

How long has HIMSS existed?

HIMSS celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011.  HIMSS was founded at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Who belongs to HIMSS?

HIMSS represents more than 35,000 individual members, of which more than two-thirds work in healthcare provider, governmental and not-for-profit organizations.  HIMSS also has more than 520 corporate members, and 120 not-for-profit associations as members.  Anyone who wants to transform healthcare through the best use of IT and management systems is welcome to join HIMSS.

Who leads HIMSS?

HIMSS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors—a group of HIMSS members elected by the membership. The current Chair of HIMSS is C. Martin Harris, MD, MBA, FHIMSS, Chief Information Officer and Chairman of the Information Technology Division of the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. The Vice Chairwoman is Charlene S. Underwood, MBA, FHIMSS, Director of Government and Industry Affairs for Siemens Medical Solutions.

Where do HIMSS’ revenues come from?

HIMSS' revenue comes from exhibitions, educational events, data & publication sales, memberships, advertising, and other.  This revenue is used to equip stakeholders with the education, knowledge, tools, and resources they need to transform healthcare where they work and live. Each year for the past decade, HIMSS has annually published more than 200 new, member-centric resources, and hosted many education programs both nationally and regionally through our chapters. You can learn about our latest tools and resources on our Web site. 

With so many members, how does HIMSS balance everyone’s opinions?

HIMSS is known as one of the few not-for-profit membership associations that has successfully integrated multi-stakeholder members from diverse constituency groups under one umbrella. HIMSS membership includes individual members, corporate members, organizational and affiliate members. All members are welcome and encouraged to actively participate in the Society's efforts. More than 9,000 members of HIMSS are actively involved in broad-based, multi-stakeholder volunteer groups.  The HIMSS Board of Directors works to ensure a balanced view is achieved in all these groups, reaching consensus among the various member constituencies.

How does HIMSS use its resources to contribute to the transformation of healthcare through the best use of IT and management systems?

HIMSS provides a unique forum for its members to collaborate on programs and initiatives that contribute to the common good. HIMSS funds activities which enable individuals and groups to gain consensus on best/common practices, equip stakeholders with tools & resources to transform healthcare within a care setting, learn from each other, and create positions. Examples include Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE), the Alliance for Nursing Informatics, our senior IT executive community, our Annual Conference & Exhibition, and our Latino initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions about HIMSS’ Government Relations Activities

What is lobbying?

Lobbying is defined by both the U.S. Congress and the Internal Revenue Service. The U.S. Congress definition of lobbying is governed by the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. The law says that a lobbyist is anyone who spends more than 20% of their time over a three-month period to conduct lobbying activities that include lobbying contacts with Congressional branch officials or their staff and any efforts in support of such contacts, including preparation or planning activities, research and other background work that is intended, at the time of its preparation, for use in contacts and coordination with the lobbying activities of others. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service requires that certain functions performed by not-for-profit associations be non-tax deductible by its members for specific advocacy-type activities.

Does HIMSS lobby?

HIMSS’ activities do not meet the law’s thresholds for lobbying reporting. Nor does the Society employ a registered lobbyist. Each year, HIMSS carefully calculates how many resources have been spent on lobbying activities (such as HIMSS annual national Advocacy Day - in which nearly 300 HIMSS individual members meet with their elected members of Congress), and therefore, not tax deductible. For the past 12 months, such IRS-designated activities represented 3.6% of each individual member's dues ($5.04 of a $160 individual membership).

Who Chairs the HIMSS Public Policy Steering Committee?

The Public Policy Committee Chair is Lesley King, MA, FHIMSS, Director of Systems, Process & Training at the Mayo Clinic. View the full committee membership list.

Does HIMSS ever forward a position that is advantageous to one constituency or entity (like one hospital or one type of vendor)?

No. All of HIMSS' positions are designed to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of care through the best use of IT and management systems. We encourage you to read HIMSS’ 2011-2012 Public Policy Principles document which is developed each year via our volunteer committees, and approved by the Board of Directors.